Quick Enquiry

Ecological Yachts Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

At the Southampton Boat Show, British shipyard Spirit Yachts revealed its 34 metre wooden sloop concept: SPIRIT 111. Once built, she will be the largest single-masted superyacht constructed from wood since the creation of S/Y SHAMROCK V in the 1930s.

SPIRIT 111 – Concept. Image credit Spirit Yachts

The eye-catching interior design of SPIRIT 111 sets her apart from most other superyachts, as every wall is curved. Due to her innovative deck arrangement, a professional crew is unnecessary to sail her, allowing her experienced owner and repeat Spirit Yachts client (who requested ‘the most beautiful yacht on the water’) a more personal sailing experience with family and friends.

SPIRIT 111 will give outstanding performance both cruising and racing by using the latest hardware and a low freeboard. The generous cockpit is designed for entertaining with guests and the two curved seating areas transform into sunbeds for economical use of the deck space. Four high-powered lithium banks allow for extended periods of cruising and enhances her green credentials, making her one of the most environmentally friendly yachts ever created.

“The Spirit 111’ is an incredibly significant project. A single-masted wooden yacht of this size that can also be owner driven is nothing less than a feat of engineering…”

SPIRIT 111 – Deck layout. Image credit Spirit Yachts

Inside, the furnishings are moulded to create a seamless appearance. The main salon will feature a skylight for greater natural light, while the owner’s suite and forward guest cabin will make use of steamed timber to ‘cocoon’ the beds, and discreet doors and storage will ensure an uninterrupted, flowing design.

SPIRIT 111 – Owner’s cabin. Image credit Spirit Yachts

The interiors will be styled by Rhoades Young, the first collaboration for the shipyard with an external design studio, and structural engineering is being completed by Spirit Yachts’s in-house naval architect and Synolo Design.

Construction began in April on the single-masted SPIRIT 111. Image credit Spirit Yachts

“These designs show for the first time her truly amazing classically beautiful lines; a balanced blend of timeless elegance and practicality that will quite simply wow anyone lucky enough to be on board,” Spirit CEO and head designer Sean McMillan commented on the yard’s largest build to date.

SPIRIT 111 – Salon concept. Image credit Spirit Yachts

“The Spirit 111’ is an incredibly significant project. A single-masted wooden yacht of this size that can also be owner driven is nothing less than a feat of engineering and with an exquisite interior design, will truly be a sight to behold once on the water. I am immensely proud of the world-class boat-building team we have at Spirit, who are turning the vision of this exciting project into a reality.”

Built to RINA standards, SPIRIT 111 is currently in construction at the Spirit Yachts headquarters in Ipswich, Suffolk, and is due to launch summer 2019.

Arcadia Yachts has made a number of important announcements, including the expansion of the current superyacht lines Gamma A and Gamma Sherpa, plus a new series of steel-hulled superyachts in the FOR.TH range.

FOR.TH luxury yacht concept – Aerial view

FOR.TH is an amalgamation of the words ‘Forward Thinking’ and is the shipyard’s venture into larger steel hulled superyachts that retain the unique appearance and environmental technologies that have made Arcadia Yachts so popular among superyacht owners. Hot Lab Studio will be a collaborator in the project, as they were with the successful A100+.

Following thee yard’s philosophy of maximising contact with the environment and using as many ecologically friendly technologies as possible, the FOR.TH superyachts will feature the solar panels for which the band has become renowned for. With the reduced reliance on the engines for power, there will in turn be less noise and vibrations experienced by guests on board and therefore the chance to hear the natural soundscape of each destination.

Arcadia Yachts has provided details on the first hull in the FOR.TH range, which will be 47 metres long and have a maximum beam of 9 metres. To maximise contact with the environment, transoms will be included into the main and upper decks, while there will be generous use of glass surfaces throughout.

FOR.TH superyacht concept – Main deck aft sunpads and beach club or gym

The aft main deck will have an area of 90m² where up to 8 guests can dine alfresco, while along the stern there will be a sun bathing area with removable headrests to suit guests preferences. Two staircases will connect the main deck to the swim platform and the beach club, which has a glass front for a naturally bright interior without exposure to less than clement weather.

FOR.TH luxury yacht concept – The gym can alternatively be used as a beach club

The main salon is designed as an open plan environment in which port and starboard sliding doors open up onto side decks. The Owner’s suite is located forward and is accessed through the Owner’s office for complete privacy.

The upper deck contains a 43m² outdoor area complete with bar and a lounging area along the stern. Indoors, the skylounge is designed to open up to the elements and the side windows fold back to vanish from sight. Several skylights are also incorporated into the design to ensure maximum exposure to natural light and reduce reliance on interior lighting even on less than clement days.

Motor yacht FOR.TH – Sundeck lounge, bar and Jacuzzi

Above, the sundeck offers guests 78m² of sunbathing space with the possibility of a transparent forward Jacuzzi surrounded by sunpads. A bar would be centrally located on the deck to efficiently serve sunbathers and those dining alfresco on the aft dining table or seated within the outdoor lounge.

Feadship has announced the launch of 69m/226ft expedition yacht SAMAYA, a custom vessel designed for world-wide cruising and diving in some of the world’s most remote and unexplored regions.

Expedition yacht SAMAYA at the Feadship yard

Created to a brief that called for autonomous function for extended periods at sea, superyacht SAMAYA epitomises the purpose of an explorer yacht and will head into uncharted regions with the goal of enabling scientists and the media to draw attention to rare and exotic species and the critical environments that they inhabit.

The dedicated dive centre in the aft of MY SAMAYA

Among her facilities is a dedicated dive room in the stern that features a teal coloured floor, a metal and wood ceiling and plenty of space for a nitrox-enriched air system and benches and shelves placed for efficient operations.

To reach dive spots surrounded by reefs or mangroves that SAMAYA cannot enter, there are 2 tenders of 8.8m and 7.2m respectively. These will be stored in a main deck tender garage and launched through large side doors.
To aid in recovery from a dive, the main deck aft features a flat-bottomed plunge pool that can be heated to aid in the body’s recovery from cold-water dives. The interiors can also be heated up to 30°C instead of the usual 25°C for the same reason.

The living spaces are styled by Redman Whiteley Dixon with influences from multiple cultures that hold a fondness for the owner, including an ethnic lounge on the bridge deck that also acts as a media room for playing recently recorded dives. The guest suites were designed for and by the owner’s children and boast bespoke furnishings and individualised colour schemes.

Feadship motor yacht SAMAYA – Mast

The sundeck has been designed to provide a large platform for receiving large numbers of guests and the extensive outdoor space is crowned with two resting beds placed against the mast arch. With their own ventilation system, this resting spot can be closed off from the rest of the world by a curtain to create a quiet alcove after an underwater adventure.

Completed in less than three years, superyacht SAMAYA represents the strong work ethic and technical capabilities of a world-renowned luxury yacht builder. Feadship director Bas Nederpelt remembers meeting with the client to discuss the brief:

“After joining us at the 2014 [Monaco Yacht Show], the client came straight to the Netherlands with Joshua Lee from Lee Marine to see our facilities on the Sunday after the event and discuss a high-speed motor yacht with a large open sun deck.

“They then spent Monday and Tuesday with the in-house design and naval architect team at Feadship De Voogt translating the client’s fascinating ideas into the initial design. After several design iterations a Letter of Intent was signed on the Tuesday evening.”

SAMAYA’s owner was closely involved with each stage of production, and took part in monthly meetings that lasted several days to produce a superyacht closely matched to the requirements of the owner and the family.

Similar to a conch shell, SAMAYA has a pale white primary coating with a pink hue that is most noticeable at sunrise and sunset. A stripe of teal marks her waterline and the colour is linked to the memory of a rare blue-green fish the owner once came into contact with while diving. The silhouette of a back-lit manta ray completes the maritime theme and reaffirms the owner’s commitment to conservation.

Expedition yacht SAMAYA – Exterior

The maritime theme continues with the flowing exterior hull shape and a giant back-lit manta ray symbol on fashion plates which reflects the owner’s commitment to conserving this endangered species.

“The owner shared stories about diving adventures as we studied shapes together to discover what it is that makes these underwater creatures so fascinating,” Feadship De Voogt designer Jan Schaffers explains. “Our conclusions were included in the design. A good example is the gentle yet powerful muscular shape of the side bulwarks, which echo the pronounced slender muscles seen on a bull shark.”

Superyacht SEMAYA is expected to be seen cruising in Asia and the South Pacific, where the owner often resides: Look out for her this winter season.

Heesen Yachts have announced the delivery of the world’s first Fast Displacement Hull Form motor yacht with hybrid propulsion to her owner. Previously known as Project NOVA, the 50-metre vessel HOME, constructed in aluminium and below 500GT with a shallow draft, has returned from her comprehensive sea trials and has been handed over to her owner on the 1st of June.

Superyacht HOME profile by Heesen – Photo Dick Holthuis

The results of the sea trials, which has taken place in the North Sea in calm sea conditions and waves of up to 0.5 metres with a light breeze, went very well, where HOME has overcome her contractual top speed of 16.3 knots in the traditional Diesel engine mode, but also in her hybrid silent cruising mode. HOME is also very quiet thanks to her two 127kW water-cooled DC electric shaft motors and exceeded the predicted 9knots with noise and vibration levels well below expected.

HOME by Heesen – aerial view – Photo Dick Holthuis

In addition, she is also fuel efficient, consuming 98 litres per hour (excluding generators) at 12knots, which is further reduced at 10knots in hybrid mode to amazing 45 litres per hour.

“Heesen is renowned for its meticulous attention to weight reduction and HOME is an effortless embodiment of this; being lighter than predicted, she is the perfect demonstration of Heesen’s signature capabilities.”

HOME by Heesen – Photo Dick Holthuis

HOME is fitted with two MTU 12V 2000 M61 engines of 600kW each; smaller than usually found on the yachts of these measurements, demonstrating the fact that the FDHF designed by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, engineered by Heesen’s in-house specialists and immaculately constructed by Heesen’s welders, is notably efficient. The yacht’s range has also been exceeded by 500 nautical miles, reaching impressive 4200 nautical miles at 12 knots, with only 45,000 litres of fuel.

HOME by Heesen Yachts – Photo Dick Holthuis

Not only does she impress with her efficiency and performance, she is also a beauty, inside and out! Her striking profile has been created by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, incorporating a vertical bow, an impressive large fixed swim platform, wide sweeping stairs and huge windows. HOME’s interior is equally impressive and was designed by Cristiano Gatto in close collaboration with the owner. It is characterised by contemporary design based on a two-tone colour palette.

Luxury yacht HOME by Heesen – Photo Dick Holthuis

A sister ship to the M/Y HOME is currently under construction at the Heesen shipyard and is available to purchase.

HOME will see her premiere at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show in September (27-30 September 2017).

The upcoming Monaco Yacht Show is the venue of choice for many debuting luxury yachts, including the sporty 40m/131ft DIVINE from Columbus Yachts. Her hybrid technology is cutting edge to make her a ‘unique green yacht’. Find out more about this award-winning yacht design below: The following is a press release from Columbus Yachts.

Aligned with the green approach to yacht building pioneered by Columbus Yachts, a brand of Palumbo Group S.p.A., the innovative M/Y Divine – second model of the 40 M Sport Hybrid awards winning series – will be on display at Monaco Yacht Show 2016 from 28th of September – to 1st October along the Quai des Etats-Unis.

“Sport” indicates the high performance of this superyachts equipped with two diesel engines which will give a top speed of 20 knots, with the ability to easily cruise and with very low consumption at 16 knots. “Hybrid” is because of her “green credentials”. She is able to offer a completely new way of yachting, more conscious and respectful of the environment.

Three-decked aluminum M/Y Divine hosts ten guests in five staterooms with the owner’s suite and study on the main deck, and she can accommodates eight crew members.

While naval architecture and exterior designer – in cooperation with the shipyard – is Hydrotec Srl, interior design has been conceived by Hot Lab.

With its neat vertical bow and automotive-inspired lines, the architectural point of view M/Y Divine can certainly be considered a sport yacht although characterized by high volume and impressive heights, unusual for a yacht of this size.

To reduce the mass of the hull structure from the side profile and offer uninterrupted views from the main salon, the bulwarks feature glass cut-outs that also serve as fold-down balconies. These are complemented by full-height glass doors, which were engineered by the Shipyard to either slide or hinge open. With the doors open and the balconies lowered, the salon becomes a floating terrace with unparalleled sea views.

M/Y DIVINE – Main saloon

INTERIORS

The interior spaces have been studied in a way to privilege the owner’s suite, which is just as large as those found on bigger yachts. The study of the layout included ensuring a fair balance between functional space for crew and guests, with smart solutions that include a VIP suite that could convert into two cabins, to satisfy the owner’s request for flexibility.

The external lines are aggressive and contemporary. They elegantly hide the large interior volumes and at the same time grant generous deck space that can easily be customized. Thanks to large windows and 2.3m of headroom – exceptional for a 40m yacht – the main salon and full-beam owner’s suite are flooded with natural light.

Even in the lower deck area the use of a single window, that replaced the classic portholes, provides for a continuity of light and atmosphere.

Interiors have been created by Palumbo design team together with Hot Lab and the Owner taste. Their intention right from the beginning was oriented to a fresh, elegant, and simple style, whilst still having visual impact when a guest enters the yacht for the first time. Hot Lab opted for a consistency with colors, using clear “tone on tone palettes” in order to enhance the light. Clean, precise lines with modern sophisticated details were repeated throughout the interior to give a sense of harmony.

M/Y DIVINE – Master suite

Marbles such as Breccia Sarda and Adria Venato are matched with eucalyptus and american walnut wood. A touch of warmth and luxury is provided by brightly colored leather and metal details with polished stainless steel. Soft wool carpets and precious fabrics complete the simple yet elegant feeling of the interiors.

A well-designed bar is located at the entrance of the main deck. Moving forward there is the dining area seating ten guests on comfortable armchairs by Flexform placed around a custom-made table.

In the lounge area the sofa, the coffee table and poufs by Flexform are placed in front of a large TV screen that is set in a sleek panel integrated into the ceiling. The area is framed by two large windows that provide breathtaking views onto the ocean and light up the saloon with natural light.

Further forward there is a fully equipped galley on the port side and a lobby on the right. The main deck also houses the master suite with a king size bed positioned in the center of the cabin between two large windows providing natural light and scenic views.

The cabin bulwarks are paneled in wood as is the floor and ceiling to create a warm and cozy environment. The master bathroom is equipped with two well-designed ‘his and her’ marble sinks on each side a large shower with glass walls.

Light colors are used throughout the yacht to complement natural light and the colors of the sea. On the upper deck the relaxing atmosphere is enhanced by two huge sofas and one big rectangular coffee table by Flexform.

In line with the “green angle” of the yacht model, all the woods selected for the Columbus M/Y Divine 40m are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified to ensure eco-sustainability while the leather, a by-product of the meat industry, is treated with a special non-toxic water painting process. The result is a harmonious design to perfectly complement the sporting and open air feeling of the yacht.

M/Y DIVINE – Alfresco dining

TECHNICAL KEY FACTS

From the technical point of view, M/Y Divine is a semi-displacement hull that was analyzed using CFD software and tank tests for use with light alloy construction. The hard chined hull, allows a cruising with suitable trim under all sea conditions. This is also thanks to the special design of the propeller tunnels and to the addition of an Interceptor.

Powered with an advanced hybrid propulsion, the performance range is between 3 and 20 knots and, thanks to the weight reduction due to the use of alloy materials, optimum consumption values have been achieved. At the cruising speed of 15 knots the fuel consumption is 215 liters per hour for both engines.

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

The hybrid propulsion system, designed, studied and built in close collaboration with the Technical Department of the Palumbo Shipyard represent the “Hybrid factor” of the yacht. This system provides the yacht with diesel electric propulsion that matches perfectly also with the concept of this yacht to be both sporty and fast and at the same time comfortable and quiet as a traditional full displacement yacht.

The hybrid propulsion system Palumbo developed allows the combination of the main engines and two electric motors connected to gearbox, thus allowing electric powered cruising at a maximum speed of 8 knots using the energy produced by the generators and, at the same time, producing energy when the main engines are in operation.

The integrated I-Bridge system from Team Italia was developed from the idea to create a helm station exclusive to each and every captain. I-Bridge makes it possible to integrate a wide range of systems produced by various manufacturers that operate using different kinds of logic to create a single user interface that is both personalized and easy to upgrade over the years. Moreover, by studying wheelhouse ergonomics Palumbo has also developed a customized layout solution that is in keeping with the yacht’s sporty exterior and contemporary interior design.

The Sport Hybrid does not have wing stations, so one system that has been integrated into the bridge commands is a wireless Vessel Manoeuvring Assistant (VMA Plus) device from Xenta Systems. The electronic technology uses the existing engines, transmissions and bow thruster to allow the pilot to manoeuvre from anywhere. Xenta components in the engine room share joystick commands with the transmission and throttle controls, while a visual sensor mounted over each prop shaft reads the speed and direction of the rotation and feeds the information to the control system.

Columbus Yachts is very proud that also M/Y Divine as her sister-ship M/Y Eleonora III is RINA classified with the additional class notation “Hybrid Propulsion (Y)” and AUT CCS (Y), the latest being another innovation studied with RINA to fulfill the need of having unmanned machinery spaces, not even having a control room inside the machinery spaces.

M/Y DIVINE – Dining area

COLUMBUS SPORT HYBRID 40M – AN AWARD WINNING MODEL

With three Showboats Design Awards to M/Y Eleonora III in 2013 and the most recent Superyachts Awards given to M/Y Divine, Columbus Sport Hybrid 40M it’s definitely an award winning model. Divine was awarded with a special commendation for her Naval Architecture at 2016 Showboats Design Awards and she is the winner of World Superyacht Awards 2016 – category Semi-Displacement & Three Deck Motor Yacht 30m – 40.9m.

Modern lines, bright and tranquil interior spaces, semi-displacement performance attracted the judges attention to this 40 meters all-aluminum unit and when combined with the optimized seakeeping and fuel economy derived from a diesel-electric propulsion package, this yacht proved to be a winner.

Among many design features admired by the judges were the fold-down bulwarks that form lovely side balconies – their glazed elements providing increased visibility from the interior when folded – these are positioned opposite floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in order to unite the saloon with the world outside.

More and more concepts for ecological living are leaving the page and becoming reality, and the boating industry is not to be left behind. The Monaco Solar Boat Challenge will take place this week when 15 teams from universities across Europe will compete using boats professionally built based on their designs. The following is a press release from Yacht Club de Monaco.

Press Release

Monaco bets on solar power for boats

Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th July 2016

Competitors prepare for the Monaco Solar Boat Challenge 2016

The flames of a real passion never go out, those linking the Principality to preservation of our environment being perfect examples. It is why the Yacht Club de Monaco continues on this path in organising the Monaco Solar Boat Challenge, taking place from 14th to 16th July 2016.

Organised with the support of the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) which is based in the Principality, this competition is special as it is only for boats powered by the sun, designed and driven by students from international universities. “The Monaco Solar Boat Challenge is an excellent initiative organized by the YCM in cooperation with the UIM. Solar energy is one of the key elements in the pathway towards a sustainable future and we are fully committed to promote the ultimate synergy of nature, motion and innovation in motor boating ” stated the UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, an association based also in Monaco.

15 teams have already confirmed their registration, 10 from the Netherlands, the others from Belgium, Hungary, Germany, Poland and Monaco. It’s an international field, proof of how widespread interest is in new energy sources among the new generation.

“In Monaco we pay particular attention to everything related to respect for the environment. Technology is now available to support this commitment. It therefore seems to me essential to encourage any initiative that will drive the future development of our industry. The enthusiasm of this new generation of engineers suggests this technology could soon be applied to the leisure boat sector, including mega-yachts. This is the kind of pioneering spirit the Principality has fostered for over a century, and delivers a message full of promise for the future,” says Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Y.C.M.

The stage is set for this unusual spectacle in the bay of Port Hercule which will welcome a host of teams from all over Europe. As the aim is to support a new generation of revolutionary boats more respectful of the marine environment, the event underlines the Principality’s commitment to innovation and is rooted in a tradition that continues. As someone always on the lookout for cutting edge technology, and a staunch defender of the environment, Yacht Club de Monaco President HSH Prince Albert II is naturally right behind this project.

Indeed, the event is a nod to history in the wake of Prince Albert 1. An experienced navigator, he was an early pioneer, not only of modern oceanography but also luxury yachting, having organised over a century ago the first powerboat meetings held alongside royal yachts spending the winter in Monte-Carlo. In those days, the world’s industrialists were invited to showcase their latest developments in combustion engine technology. The times may have changed but the desire to embrace innovation has not.

The Monaco Solar Boat Challenge 2016

A bright future beckons with these inventions, one where technology, talent and respect for the environment go hand in hand in perfect unison. Flying across the water powered only by the sun is no longer a utopian dream but a reality, with engines capable of speeds up to 20 knots thanks to the development of foils.

In 2015 during the first ‘International YCM Speed Record’, the power of these prototypes was much in evidence with a record speed of 44.4km/h over a distance of one eighth of a nautical mile (231.5m) being set by Gerard van der Schaar of the Clafis Private Energy Solar Team.

Alongside the main event is the Vripack Grand Prix, when the word ‘challenge’ will live up to its name as never before: teams which do not have a solar-powered machine will have the opportunity to assemble one from scratch (supplied in kit form by Vripack) before the event to compete in the different races. A “first” and big challenge which 5 students from the high school (Lycée Technique et Hôtelier) in Monaco are taking up – to build a boat in just five days!

Looking ahead already to 2017 with the YCM OFFSHORE SOLAR CLASS, the Yacht Club de Monaco will host several teams composed of international university students who will join forces with shipyards to design and build solar boats capable of accommodating three people to take part in an offshore race.

Rendezvous 14th to 16th July 2016 to discover the future of solar navigation.

As electric and hybrid technology has become more efficient, a greater number of luxury yacht builders are implementing such systems in their builds. 84m/274ft SAVANNAH from Feadship in 2015 was the first luxury motor yacht to incorporate hybrid technology: the first hybrid sailing yacht was Royal Huisman’s ETHEREAL in 2008. To celebrate the innovation and achievement in this area, the Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards acknowledge the very best marine technology from the world over. The following is a press release from UKIP Media & Events.

Press Release

Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards winners announced

Awards ceremony returns for a third consecutive year, honouring the world’s finest engineers, innovations and products in the electric and hybrid marine arena

Wärtsilä ends ABB’s two-year dominance as Propulsion System Manufacturer of the Year, while Corvus Energy scoops two on the bounce for Supplier of the Year

The winners of the third annual Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards were announced yesterday (23 June) at a ceremony hosted at Electric & Hybrid Marine World Expo in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Launched in 2014, the Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards champion the best in technology and innovation in the electric and hybrid marine sector, and are supported by associated publication Electric & Hybrid Marine Technology International.

The five winners of the Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards

An international jury of 42 maritime journalists, marine industry experts and academics from 20 countries decided the winners in each of the five categories: Supplier of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Chief Engineer of the Year, Propulsion System Manufacturer of the Year and Electric & Hybrid Propulsion System of the Year.

Beating off fierce competition from Feadship, Damen, Østensjø Rederi and the US Navy, Caledonian Maritime Assets won the coveted Electric & Hybrid Propulsion System of the Year award for a second time in three years, for its MV Catriona hybrid ro-ro passenger and vehicle ferry. Launched in December 2015, the US$17.7m diesel-electric vessel is able to carry 150 passengers and 23 cars, and performs 10 return crossings a day.

Two Saft Seanergy systems are at the heart of its diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, providing a total of 800kWh of energy storage that powers the vessel in battery mode only and in hybrid mode in combination with a diesel generator. As a result, MV Catriona saves up to 30% in fuel compensation and CO2emissions, using just 500-600 litres of fuel a day instead of 700-800 litres of fuel as used by conventional diesel-electric propulsion systems.

In the Innovation of the Year category, Norsepower’s Rotor Sail solution clinched victory, with the judges impressed by its spinning cylinders that allow the main engines to be throttled back, saving fuel and reducing emissions while providing enough power to maintain speed and voyage time. It beat off fierce competition in the form of ABB’s Dynamic AC Electric power system, Akasol’s AKARack scalable lithium-ion energy storage solution, the Cell-Cool and Thermal-Stop energy management system by PBES, the Aziprop electric pod motor by Fischer Panda and the variable-speed genset by Hybrid Power Systems.

In the Propulsion System Manufacturer of the Year category, Wärtsilä ended ABB’s two-year dominance by clinching the award for its sublime year, which saw a tie-up with Cavotec to jointly develop the world’s first combined induction charging and automotive mooring concept, the creation of a concept for a series of zero- and low-emissions hybrid shuttle ferries; and the supply of a complete electrical propulsion system to the Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation cruise vessels. The category also saw nominations for ABB, Visedo Marine, Torqeedo, GE Power Conversion, Transfluid and Fischer Panda.

The Chief Engineer of the Year award went to Pieter Dijkstra, managing director of Visedo Marine, for spearheading the development, delivery and installation of the full drivetrain solution for the E-ferry project. The E-ferry has the largest battery capacity of any ferry in the world, and will be placed in service in June 2017 to transport vehicles and passengers between Ærø island and Denmark’s mainland. Dijkstra also oversaw the supply installation of the complete LNG-electric propulsion drivetrain for the Damen Eco-Liner inland vessel. The judges also noted that Dijkstra played a key role in the company’s acquisition of Dutch integrator and powertrain manufacturer Electric Power Conversion in January 2016.

In the final category, the Supplier of the Year title went to Corvus Energy for the second consecutive year. In 2015, the Canadian energy storage system supplier enjoyed another prosperous year, which saw it integrate a 195kWH Corvus Energy Storage System (ESS) into a propulsion system powering the world’s first electric commercial fishing vessel. 2015 also saw the company announce its latest ESS platform, Orca, and it provided ESSs for an additional nine retrofit hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes produced by integrator CCCC Shanghai Equipment Engineering. The company also fostered the development of an advanced lithium-ion battery technology. To date, Corvus technology powers more than 50 commercial hybrid and electric maritime installations. This category also included nominations for Eco Marine Power, Stadt, Echandia Marine and Aradex.

John Thornton, editor of Electric & Hybrid Marine Technology International and co-chairman of the Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards, said, “It’s been another exceptional year for electric and hybrid marine technology, which has been echoed by the strength of this year’s nominees. It was certainly no easy task for the jury panel, and we’d like to congratulate all the winners and nominees for the quantity and quality of pioneering innovation produced over the past year.”

Memorable not only for its appearance but also its eco-friendly, energy-saving measures, the 115-foot Tortoise superyacht is currently available for charter in the West Mediterranean.

Built in 2015, Tortoise is one of the most modern yachts in the global chartered fleet. Aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of superyachts, Arcadia Yachts designed Tortoise with double-glazed solar panels and a fibreglass hull for hydrodynamic efficiency. Switching to the hybrid propulsion engine can achieve up to 8 knots without creating emissions or noise pollution.

Her eco-friendly choices have not come at the expense of luxury: Designer Poltrona Frau has created a stunning modern Mediterranean appearance inside and out by complementing Italian-made dark wood with pale leather and fabric upholstery. Floor to ceiling glass panels provide panoramic views which allows sunlight to stream into the interiors from dawn until dusk.

Tortoise can accommodate up to 12 guests in its six cabins: three double cabins, two twin cabins and one master suite. The television room and gym will provide guests with plenty to do when not playing with the variety of water toys, which include water skis, a WaveRunner and wakeboard. Guests will also enjoy their own private verandas and the intimacy of the deck Jacuzzi, saloon and bar.

Tortoise is currently available for charter in the West Mediterranean for approximately $125,000 per week, plus expenses.

Dennis Ingemansson is the designer behind the new and innovative, ultra-luxurious catamaran superyacht concept ‘FOLLOW THE SUN’, created in collaboration with the Turkish shipyard, NedShip Group.

Follow The Sun – a superyacht concept by Dennis Ingemansson

The concept focuses on ecological solutions including a 160+ square metre solar cell area and a hybrid solution with additional e-engines for propulsion during slow cruising. There is a possibility of installing wind turbines, too.

The aft section is optimised for a fully certified helipad, according to the Eurocopter 155 standards. The interiors are very spacious, boasting two owner suites, creating an optimal vessel for both private use as well as the luxury charter market. Overall, accommodation is provided in four cabins to eight guests in total.

Columbus 40SH ELEONORA III, as named by her new owner, is the first hull of Columbus Sports Hybrid series sold by Palumbo shipyard, and is also the first Columbus yacht sold to a US customer. The owner was impressed with the flexibility of the yacht’s layout and the possibility to easily personalise her, with restyling made-to-measure to suite his needs. The owner will also become a Brand Ambassador for Columbus Yachts in the Americas.

Eleonora III

ELEONORA III will cruise the Mediterranean this upcoming summer season, following which she will move the the US. It is unknown at this stage whether she will be available for yacht charter, however feel free to contact us for more information on this vessel or any similar superyachts currently on the charter market.

Columbus Yachts also represents the first yacht construction yard to incorporate fuel-efficient Hybrid Technology into a large luxury motor yacht. The hybrid technology built into the new Columbus 40SH was acquired from the cruising and passenger industry where diesel electric technology is well developed.

ELEONORA III is a semi-displacement all-aluminium superyacht and her model was first unveiled in 2014. The yacht brings together high performance, with a maximum speed of 20 knots and reduced environmental impact. In Diesel Electric mode she is capable of cruising quietly using only her diesel electro motors, allowing her guests to experience silent cruising, similar to that aboard sailing yachts, yet with the space and commodity of a motor yacht. In addition, in the electric mode there is an impressive 50+% reduction in fuel consumption as compared to other vessels in her class, as she uses only 2,5 gallons per mile.

Interiors are very flexible, with a use of huge windows and eco-friendly materials. There is accommodation for up to ten guests in five deluxe cabins, with the owner suite located on the main deck. A crew of seven professionals is accommodated in four staterooms.